by Will Espero
The race for president of the United States has become very interesting. President Biden’s decision to not run for re-election surely must have been a difficult choice.
It was the right one, however, as the president’s performance at the first debate with Trump highlighted weaknesses and problems of the president. I applaud him for thinking of our country first.
At 81 years old, it’s obvious Biden’s age has contributed to his physical and mental decline.
It will happen to all of us, and we must deal with the natural progression of life when it comes upon us. Other presidents have decided not to run for re-election, and Biden’s decision is applauded and supported by many Democrats and others.
The Democrats’ chances of winning the White House were boosted by Biden’s upcoming retirement.
Donald Trump’s comments that Biden should resign from the presidency if he cannot run for president are hogwash. Biden will gracefully end his first term and hopefully turn it over to his now vice president.
The president is ending a stellar political career spanning over 50 years, and his one term as president has been successful.
Some will disagree, but that’s the nature of the presidency and democracy. A few of his accomplishments include federal funding for state infrastructure projects, new programs to eliminate child poverty, advocating for voting rights, advocating for women’s reproductive rights, lower prices of prescription drugs, anti-gun violence office in the White House, properly dealing with the covid crisis, organizing NATO against Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, removing our troops from Afghanistan, increased tariffs against China, and his appointment of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Jackson.
He even helped shape a border bill to resolve the problem at the Mexican border, but Trump told the Republican members of Congress to reject the bill so Biden would not have a victory. How childish, immature, and selfish Trump is.
If all goes according to plan, a former prosecutor will challenge a felon for president of the United States in 2024.
A 77-year-old man will challenge a 59-year-old woman. We might see the first woman president elected. It will be an exciting campaign season.
The way I see it, character is a factor.
Vice-president Harris will be scrutinized closely, and her experiences and background will be criticized and questioned by her opponents.
Her time as a U.S. Senator and vice president will also be examined. The policies of the Biden/Harris administration will be reviewed for success or failure.
Trump will also be attacked for his words and actions. Trump’s negatives include his support for the attack on the Capitol on January 6, a U.S. Supreme Court that overturned Roe vs. Wade, a convicted felon, a documented prolific liar, an adulterer, being friends with Putin and Kim, his standing with NATO, being adjudicated for sexual assault, allegations of keeping top secret documents, and his many verbal attacks against immigrants, women, the military, gold star families, and disabled.
These depictions of Trump will hurt him.
Those loyal to Trump are expected to battle fiercely to regain the presidency. Their opinion of him should not change.
Democrats will become united when Harris is chosen to lead the party. They will dig in to defend the White House and keep Trump away from Washington, DC.
The election and campaign should be won by the votes of the undecided and independents.
A third-party candidate may impact the race as there is a fear another candidate could take voters away from either Trump or Harris.
We’ll see what develops.
The assassination attempt against Trump may give him unplanned attention and a boost but that terrible episode should not be a factor in the race.
Violence can never be condoned, and differences of opinion must be respected. Political changes must come from the ballot box, and I know the vast majority of Americans understand this.
Harris against Trump is expected to garner much media attention and bring out the voters who will have strong options or choices to choose from
Trump has chosen a young conservative as his running mate, and speculation about Harris’ vice president choice is rampant.
By the end of summer, the presidential campaigns will be in full throttle, and the world will be watching to see if character and morals are more important than policy and loyalty.
On another note, Honolulu police need to stop arresting individuals who take a breathalyzer test and show a zero reading.
I find it disgusting that drivers are being handcuffed and arrested after a zero score.
Imagine if this happened to you or a loved one. I would be livid.
I understand the need to be vigilant against drunk driving, but multiple arrests against drivers showing no alcohol in their system must stop.
It’s true that other substances could be the culprit, but news reports indicate this is not the case.
Complaints to the police department’s professional standards office have been made, and I hope HPD properly addresses this issue and stops arresting individuals with no alcohol in their bodies based on a breathalyzer test.
It seems like a waste of time, energy, and effort when actual drunks are still driving.
In closing, just don’t drink alcohol and drive.
Don’t smoke medical cannabis and drive. Be careful of prescription drugs that could impact your driving.
Be safe in your vehicles, and always drive alert and defensively. Use Uber or Lyft if needed. Find a designated driver if you can.
The consequences or results of disregarding the law are not worth the possible pain, suffering, or inconvenience of dumb mistakes and choices.
WILL ESPERO retired from the Hawaii legislature after serving 19 years in the state House of Representatives and state Senate. He is currently a novelist, poet, and supporter of the arts. Lingering Thoughts provides a glimpse of his perspective on current events and issues.
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